Featured Would Jesus approve of Christmas?

Commercial against no question.

 

Probably no on how the commercialization has taken over, but I'm sure He would approve of throwing a Birthday party every year in honor of His incarnation. :wavey:

 

1. As a man growing up and then ministering in the first century, NO. They celebrated the death of people, not their birth. The only people to celebrate births were pagans.

2. No, Xmas was a substitution of a pagan festival of the worship of a sun-god, saturnalia. When there was sufficient evidence that the days were getting longer (after the shortest day--Dec.21), and their god was not going to die, they threw a great party, got drunk, had orgies, etc. The world does much the same today. Christ would not approve.

3. It also has Catholic origins. Christ + mass. The mass of Christ. In that it is blasphemous. To re-sacrifice Christ over and over again is blasphemous. Christ would never approve of "the sacrifice of the mass."

4. It is (as the RCC is) syncretistic. That is it combines Christian elements with pagan elements. It combines all the commercialism and pagan roots of Santa Claus, the Xmas tree, the yule log, the lights, the mistletoe, etc. with the birth of Christ. None of that has anything to do with the birth of Christ, but it all evolved from paganism.

5. To a large degree it centers around self and not Christ. "How I am going to decorate my house;" "what gifts I have to buy;" what I have to do this season;" etc. It is a busy season of the year, not because of Christ, but because of self, and all of its commercialism. It takes away from the true worship of Christ and the simplicity of entering into his rest.

Need I go one. I could. Those are only starters.
Like, Santa is portrayed as a god. Just sing the song. "You better watch out, you better not pout...Why?

 

A birthday party whose date is likely several months off, and purposely chosen because it was a big day for pagans? Dunno.

 

Did God disapprove of setting Jerusalem up as the important capital city, later with the temple, because it had been an important city to the Jebusites?

 

Jesus approves of Christmas about as much as the Mass of Christ. It is all a lot of pagan idolatry with a Christian façade. Glorying in the flesh is never acceptable.

"Come out from among them saith The Lord; touch not the unclean thing" it still in effect.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

 

No doubt in my mind that Christ would support, and even join in on the way my family celebrates. Santa is downplayed, the Christmas story is emphasized, and we have a tradition where I present the table of the missing soldier.



Edited to add: if you don't think Jesus would join you in what you're doing, then you're wrong. "Jesus would hate me focusing on buying gifts" *While standing in line at WalMart on black Friday*

 

The real question is: By whose authority do we do what we call worship?

While Jesus did authorize us to remember His death, no where does He authorize remembrance of His birth. So, we wind up teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. It matters not how solemn and sincere we do it-- such is not authorized in scripture.

The end of the commission: "...teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo I am with you even unto the end of the age." We are at the end of the age--Jesus has kept His promises. He is faithful, even when we are not.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

 

Not offended.

What is the address of the scripture which authorizes the Mass of Christ?

There is a remarkable scripture which speaks of the John the Baptist being beheaded as result of a birthday party of one called Herod.

Curious: the practice of Christmas was made illegal in England and New England in the 17th century.

"A little leaven leavens the whole lump."

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

 

I would differ with you here.
John accused Herod of adultery. Herod had him thrown in jail. However, Herod enjoyed listening to him from time to time and had no intention of killing him. He also feared the reaction of the public.
On his birthday the daughter of wicked Herodias danced a seductive dance, such that Herod promised to give her up to half the kingdom. At her mother's behest she demanded John the Baptist's head on a platter.
Yes, his death was due to a seductive dance at a birthday party, and nothing else but. The depravity of man knows no bounds.

 

I could be wrong however I think I am right. There two birth day parties spoken of in the word of God. One in the old and one in the new and both were the birth day of someone, opposed to the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

 

That is where soul liberty comes in. I should not be condemned or judged for my beliefs in why I do not celebrate Christmas.
As far as I am concerned you have the perfect right to celebrate Christmas in the way that you wish. We may disagree in somethings, but that is the nature of soul liberty.

 

It would be interesting to see how many would carry on the Christmas celebration if the following were removed: Santa Clause ie..elves, reindeer,the whole lot, decorated trees, yard lights; Winter celebratory things ie.. sleigh rides, chestnuts on open fire etc..

We see as example on the LORD's day that most can barely spare an hour to "celebrate" His resurrection. Why do you think a celebration of His birth without the "fun" secular stuff would be any different?